Generation

Drax ends coal generation

Scrap heat pump and solar planning rules, urges thinktank

Planning rules on the installation of rooftop solar panels and heat pumps should be scrapped, a new report by an influential right-wing thinktank has urged. The Policy Exchange’s report, Re-engineering regulation: an A-Z of reform, outlines 26 case studies of regulation with "unintended, perverse consequences".

Construction begins on UK’s largest solar farm

Video: Behind the scenes at Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C’s delivery director Nigel Cann has released his latest update on the project. The footage shows how work has progressed over the last six months, with the site moving into new phases of construction.

Pressure is on the sector to reform REGO certificates  

DFS needs third-party switching mechanism

Grid connection delays are ‘unacceptable’, minister admits

Long waits for developers to secure grid connections are “unacceptable”, energy ministers have said during DESNZ question time. Energy secretary Grant Shapps also said the introduction of a cut price social tariff for low income customers “could be very helpful”.

Energy security concerns fuel business appetite for hydrogen

Mounting concerns about energy security are leading business leaders to back hydrogen as part of their energy improvement strategies. Businesses now view energy security and resilience as the second biggest threat to their organisations, according to Centrica’s survey on businesses decarbonisation plans.

Government urged to review planning rules for water projects

National Grid: We’re not averse to competition

Public offered stake in Britain’s first shared solar park

Households across Britain will be able to buy into the country’s first shared solar park from tomorrow (18 April), it has been announced. It comes after Ripple Energy completed a deal with Derril Water Solar Park developer RES to provide an alternative ownership model.  

Overhaul of CfD auctions tabled

Weekend Press: High costs and uncertainties cast a chill over Britain’s heat pump market

Looming copper crisis must spark connection rethink

Predicted copper shortage have led to calls for alternative, more efficient ways of hooking up renewable energy schemes to avoid project delays, soaring costs and generation shortages. Former Ofgem senior partner Maxine Frerk told Utility Week that the regulator needs to do more to drive down electrical leaks, while Dominic Quennell, CEO of Enertechnos, has called for the rollout of an alternative cabling system.

Ofgem increases RO mutualisation thresholds